All Over Albany

Tinker and Fiddle

We got an Ask AOA question awhile back about programming classes for kids, and this looks like an interesting program...

An org called Tinker and Fiddle is offering HTML basics and Launch Pad/Arduino basics classes at the new Electric City Barn starting in January. Each class runs for two hours on six Saturdays. (The class links have descriptions.)

The deadline to register is December 31 January 31. And the fee is $350 for each class, with need-based scholarships available.

Org blurbage for Tinker and Fiddle: "Tinker & Fiddle is a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) education company that encourages underrepresented youth to learn and apply technology through creative exploration and problem solving. We host programming in the Capital District for youth ages 8-14 and design STEAM curriculum for grade levels K-12."

By the way: The org also takes donations if you'd like to help with need-based assistance.

photo via Tinker and Fiddle

DIY photography, and documenting Troy

snowy day @ualbany pic.twitter.com/3wAISrFP7a

— Patrick Dodson (@patrickdodson) November 16, 2018

Talented local photographer Patrick Dodson has two different classes coming up at the Arts Center of the Capital Region that could be interesting and fun -- and registration is now open:

March 3: DIY Photography
"Have you ever wanted to take on photography but don't have the budget for the latest and greatest gear? Learn some easy do-it-yourself tips and tricks to give your images a more professional look. This class will use supplies easily purchased from your local crafts store to modify light and add artistic elements to your photos. A DSLR camera is encouraged but this class can be taken using only a smartphone camera."

March 16-30: Explore Troy: Documentary Photography
"Explore and enjoy Troy! You will learn the basics of documentary photography and building a story. You will learn from award winning examples of visual storytelling and then work together to create a 'zine' of downtown Troy, telling the story of the people and shops that make the city unique." (It's three sessions on Saturdays.)

See the links for registration info.

More classes
As you probably know, the Arts Center offers all sorts of classes -- from dance to digital art to jewelry making to painting to pottery to writing (and many things in between).

Sketching winter scenes

One of Kuhne's works.

This sounds like it could be relaxing: Artist Kevin Kuhne has an urban winter sketching class at Arlene's Artist Materials this Saturday. Blurbage:

Kevin's friends, family, and associates look forward each year to his holiday card depicting a winter urban or suburban scene in the Capital District. Learn how he goes about creating this images, usually sitting in his car, through a process of rough sketches, value and color studies, and finished watercolors. We'll cover the logistics of drawing and painting in your car, looking out of a window in your house or a cafe, or working completely outdoors during the winter months, including choosing and carrying supplies, setting up comfortably, etc. We'll also discuss design, composing, perspective, drawing basics and different media conducive to sketching on the go.

You might have seen Kuhne's work before -- he's painted many local scenes, and some of his watercolors were on display at the First Presbyterian Church of Albany this past spring.

The class at Arlene's on Fuller Road is this Saturday, December 1 from 11 am to 4 pm. The class fee is $60.

More art classes and workshops
By the way: Arlene's frequently has all sorts of art classes, from block printing to paper wreath making to oil painting to color theory.

Albany Can Code has a new round of classes starting up soon

Albany Can Code -- the local initiative aimed at making training in computer coding available to a wider group of people -- has a new round of classes starting in January.

It will be offering front end web development classes -- "a solid foundation for anyone looking to explore a career in coding" -- at the Schenectady Community College extension in Albany and SUNY Adirondack in Wilton. And it also has a more advanced front-end Javascript frameworks class at SCCC in Schenectady.

From Albany Can Code's newsletter this month:

In 2018 we planned and executed 5 classes for 69 students in our workforce development program. These students learned Front End Web Development, JavaScript frameworks, Back End Web Development, and SQL Database skills. In the first quarter of 2019 we are planning to offer more classes than ever before. Nearly half of our students were women this year and more than a third were people of color.

The 12-week classes are $1,500 and there is some grant funding for people who meet various criteria. See the student FAQ for details.

Local coding or 3-D printing classes for kids?

Tom emails:

My 11 year-old son has expressed interest in computer coding (he's been doing some at code.org) and also 3-D printing. He's a very strong student, especially in math where he's been accelerated one year since 3rd grade, so I think he'd excel at both. I'm looking for classes or organizations that teach coding or 3-D printing to kids. There's an 8 week class at the Albany library that would be great for him but it's entitled "Girls Who Code", and there doesn't seem to be one for boys. Can anyone point me toward classes/groups for him?

Sure, a class like this can help a kid follow their interests, or even set them on a path toward a career. But there's also something valuable in just learning a little bit about how all this stuff works. Our world is saturated with computing devices. Knowing something about the concepts on which they run is a good thing for anyone.

So, got a suggestion for Tom and his son and other kids? Please share! And a sentence or two about why you're recommending a place can be helpful.

The Business of Art at the Arts Center

This looks like a potentially helpful and interesting opportunity: The Arts Center of the Capital Region has organized a free course for artists to build their business and marketing skills. Blurbage for the "Business of Art":

Throughout this weekly, 7-month course, artists will learn the importance of developing their personal brand and managing their business in order to leave with the tools and confidence to turn their creative ventures into successful ones.

A cohort of 12 motivated artists from all disciplines will be selected for this program tailored to creatives in the business world. Throughout the course, you will learn how to talk about yourself as an artist and as a business, how to create and maintain a balanced budget, learn to use social media to its full potential, and identify and approach funders and mentors.

The course and cohort will challenge you to take chances and hold you accountable from beginning to end, and by the time you're finished, you will have the skills you need to run your business well.

See the link above details about eligibility and the application process. The course starts in November and runs in May of next year. The application deadline is September 16.

Lift Off! workshop for video game development

The Tech Valley Game Space is starting up a new free program -- Lift Off! -- with the goal of keeping the field of video game creation open to a wide range of people. Blurbage:

Lift Off is a free, inclusive, six-week program for self-identified women and non-binary participants to make their first game; no coding or other game development experience needed! This diversity-focused workshop series invites selected applicants of varied backgrounds and interests to create their own game. Participants will learn and practice the skill sets involved in making a game, from design, art, coding, audio composition and more. ...

Have you ever wanted to make a game, but felt uncertain about how to get started? You're not alone. Lift Off is designed for people just like you, because the truth is that you absolutely can make a game! Apply today, and take the first step toward bringing your game idea to life with support from our team of experienced mentors and the friendly community at Tech Valley Game Space.

The workshop meets on a series of Saturday afternoons between September and November at the Tech Valley Center of Gravity in downtown Troy (30 3rd Street). That link above includes an application form and other details.

The deadline to apply is September 8 at midnight.

Earlier: The goal: For everyone in the Capital Region to make a video game

Here's the fall season for the Arts Center's "Social Media" crafts-and-drinks series

The popular "Social Media" drinks-and-arts series at the Arts Center of the Capital Region is back for a new season starting next week. Blurbage:

Each event provides an opportunity to try something new in our state of the art studios. Etch prints, throw on the wheel, make sweet treats, and much more! Every event includes a complimentary cocktail, so come over, get creative, and get social!

A schedule is below. This season also includes a few classes at the University Club in Albany.

(there's more)

CapSci workshop on talking about science with the public

At last year's science march in Albany.

The local org CapSci has a workshop August 25 at Siena that's focused on helping people become better communicators of science. Blurbage:

As scientists, how do we combat anti-science messaging?

How do we cultivate public trust in scientists and in scientific evidence?

We must communicate better!

Communicating is one of our highest responsibilities as scientists. Yet academics are trained to publish behind walls of jargon and subscription memberships, isolating ourselves and our findings from the very people we hope to serve and whose taxes support our work.

Breaking away from the world of reviewers and grant panels is not easy, but we can get there! Join CapSci for a master class on communicating with the general public, lead by expert science communicator Dr. Cara Ocobock (University at Albany). You'll learn to connect with a broad audience, hone your message, and engage more fully in your community. Participants will join a network of local scientists participating in regular public outreach opportunities.

We'd just add that knowing how to effectively explain something -- or, to put it another way, how you know what you know -- is an important and valuable skill for all sorts of professions, even those that you might not immediately think of as public-facing. If you ever end up speaking at a conference, or a public meeting, or a neighborhood group, or (gulp) the media (don't worry, we're not all that bad) these sorts of skills are helpful.

The class is Saturday, August 25 from 1-5 pm at Siena College. Registration is $40 / $25 for students. And space is limited.

Science on Tap
CapSci also has more Science on Tap events -- public talks by scientists in bars -- coming up...

(there's more)

Crime fiction writing workshop at Albany Public Library with Frankie Bailey

This could be interesting and fun: Local author Frankie Y. Bailey will leading a crime fiction writing workshop at the Albany Public Library's Howe Branch in July. Blurbage:

Come learn the craft of crime fiction writing in this 4 part series! Local criminal justice professor and mystery writer Frankie Y. Bailey will lead this hands-on program for patrons of all experience levels. This program is designed as a four-part series, but participants who are unable to attend every module are still welcome to sign up.

The class is on Mondays at 6 pm starting July 9. It's free, but registration is required.

Bailey is a professor in the School of Criminal Justice at UAlbany. And she's written a bunch of mystery / crime novels, including a near-future detective series set in Albany.

Bailey will be honored with Alice Green at the Albany Public Library Foundation's Literary Legends Gala October 20.

Frankie Bailey photo via author website

Drone classes at the Tech Valley Center of Gravity and HVCC

It seems like drones are popping up everywhere now, and they're getting used in all sorts of industries -- photography to real estate to farming. But if you're going to fly one for commercial purposes, you need a license.

The Tech Valley Center of Gravity in Troy has a course coming up intended to prep people for the Federal Aviation Administration's drone licensing written exam. Blurbage:

This three session course will prepare participants to successfully pass the FAA Part 107 written exam and provide information needed to safely operate a sUAS (small Unmanned Aircraft System) vehicle. The course covers the topics outlined in the FAA's "Remote Pilot- Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide."

Your instructor, Dave Page, has Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor ratings in single engine airplanes and gliders, as well as a Remote Pilot rating. With over twenty years' experience in aviation, Dave is intimately familiar with the aviation regulatory environment, and is well-positioned to instruct future commercial drone pilots to safely integrate with the FAA system.

The sessions are June 25, June 28, and July 2 from 6-9 pm. The fee is $250. See the link above for more details.

Hands-on drone flying classes
HVCC has also been offering training classes related to drones. And it has a hands-on, learn-to-fly class starting up again in July -- the fee is $995.

The college also has an FAA test prep class starting in July that's $495.

photo: Flickr user Peter Linehan (CC BY 2.0)

"Writing Flash" at the Arts Center

This could be fun and interesting: The Arts Center is offering a "flash" writing course starting in July. Blurbage (link added):

For better or for worse, our culture is one with a short attention span. In this class, we will look at the shortest forms of writing, the micro-essay, flash fiction, or prose poetry. Writing flash can be a way to condense our experiences and ideas down to their most explicit core or their most delightful truth. We can only become better writers as we zoom in, learning to pay attention to each syllable and breath in our writing. By the end of the course, you'll have a series of flashes ready to send out for publication.

Maybe you can discover your own inner Lydia Davis.

The instructor for the class is Olivia Dunn, a writer and visiting assistant professor at Skidmore. (Here's a podcast interview with her from last fall about writing and micro essays.)

The first class is July 16 at 7 pm, and it meets Mondays for four sessions through August 6. The course fee is $125 for people who are not members of the Arts Center.

The Lifestyle Farming Conference is back at SUNY Cobleskill this spring

The Lifestyle Farming Conference is back at SUNY Cobleskill April 7. The event is a full day of classes on all sorts of topics related to farming, gardening, and cooking.

A quick sampling of some of the sessions:
+ Maple Syrup 101
+ Cultivating cider and heirloom apples
+ BBQ and smoking meat for beginners
+ Summer strawberry patch
+ Garden planning and seed staring
+ Advanced brewing: beyond the kit

Here's the full list of sessions with descriptions. The classes are led by SUNY Cobleskill faculty and other experts.

Registration is $70 for all day ($80 with lunch), $45 for the morning only, and $55 all day for veterans. The registration process also involving signing up for the session, so the earlier you register the better your chance of getting into the classes you want.

By the way: In case you haven't been out that way, SUNY Cobleskill is in Schoharie County, about an hour's drive from Albany.

Where to take a couples massage class?

Jessica asks:

My husband has requested a couples massage class for Christmas, but I'm having trouble finding one through the internet. Most searches only point me to Couples Massages, but not Classes. Can anyone on AOA recommend one? One we can do on the weekend is preferable.

We can see the knot to be worked out here, finding a class rather than a massage itself. But maybe some of the places of that offers courses in massage therapy also have classes for couples. (And if not, maybe there's an opportunity for a new class.)

So, got a suggestion for Jessica? Please share! And a sentence or two to go along with suggestion can be helpful.

Earlier: Ask AOA: A good acupuncturist and/or massage therapist?

photo: Flickr user Jason Bagley (CC BY-SA 2.0 - cropped)

The Social Media drinks-and-art series is back for another season at The Arts Center

The "Social Media" drinks-and-arts series at the Arts Center of the Capital Region will be back for another season starting in January. Blurbage:

Join us on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday every month for Social Media! You'll meet new people and make art in a new medium. Every event will feature a signature cocktail or seasonal beverage paired with the art form we'll be experimenting with! Your first drink is on us.

A condensed version of the schedule is below, it ranges from pottery to burlesque to beer to pirates.

These evening have been very popular and often sell out well ahead. So if you're interested in going, it's not a bad idea to claim a spot earlier rather than later.

(there's more)

Lessons for flying a drone?

Lindsey emails:

I'm looking to gift drone lessons to a family member for the holidays this year, and am struggling to find much in the Capital Region area. I have found a few classes at Hudson Valley Community College, but beyond that I have come up with nothing. I'm wondering if any AOA readers might know of anyone who offers lessons in the area, or even within a short distance (Hudson Valley region, Central NY). Thank you!

As Lindsey mentions, HVCC does offer drone flying classes, which can lead to a certification. They're 12 hours and 6 hours long (on multiple days) and cost roughly $1,000 and $500. So we're curious if there's something out there shorter and cheaper for hobbyists just looking to get some of the basics.

Got a suggestion for Lindsey? Please share!

The rules
While we're on topic, here are the FAA rules for flying drones. There are two sets -- one for hobbyists, and the other people using them for work.

photo: Flickr user Peter Linehan (CC BY 2.0)

Registration is open next week for Albany school district classes for adults

The winter can be a good time to take a class because it gets you out of the house -- and, you know, maybe you'll end up learning something.

A bunch of schools districts around the Capital Region offer continuing education classes on all sorts of topics. Those districts include Albany -- and registration for its slate of classes is next week.

Among the list of Albany school district classes for the winter: sewing, upholstery, dance, and Spanish language courses. They're on Wednesday or Thursday nights at Albany High School. The winter session starts the first week of January.

Registration is in person at December 6 and 7 at Albany High from 5:30-8:30 pm. Fees range from $15-$75 for most courses, payable by cash or check, and are required at the time of registration.

Earlier: Where to take continuing education classes?

The Lifestyle Farming Conference day of DIY classes is returning to SUNY Cobleskill

SUNY Cobleskill is bringing back the Lifestyle Farming Conference Saturday, November 11. The event is a full day of classes on all sorts of topics related to farming, gardening, and cooking. Blurbage:

During the second Lifestyle Farming Conference, we will be offering a wider breadth of courses that focus on the fall season. In our classrooms and labs, SUNY Cobleskill faculty, experienced farmers, and craft experts will teach workshops on fruits for fermentation, wine and cider making, cheeses, food preservation, homestead planning, herbal teas, meat smoking, raw milk, bread making, and more. With two levels -- 1.5-hour Introductory Courses and 3-hour Skill Builders -- everyone from novice to experienced homesteaders will find a course to suit their interests and skill levels.

Scanning the list of session topics, it looks like there's a bunch of interesting classes if you're the sort of person who's included to do it or make it yourself (of you'd like to be that person).

Registration is $60 for the whole day ($73 with lunch). There's also $35 registration for the morning only, and $48 registration for the afternoon (which includes lunch). The conference registration process online doubles as the process for picking classes.

SUNY Cobleskill's focus is on agriculture -- its full name is the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill -- and it has its own farm and dairy facility. It's in Cobleskill (surprise!) in Schoharie County, about a 50-minute drive from Albany.

Market Bistro cooking school schedule includes two Quintessence classes

From the Quintessence revival back in 2009.

There are a bunch of classes on the October schedule for the cooking school at the Market Bistro in Latham, but there were two that immediately caught our eye:

October 7: Hands On & Dine: Quintessence: Shrimp Scampi
"Another Quintessence favorite that customers love! Recipes include: shrimp scampi with green fettuccine noodles, Quintessential salad, and brownie sundae." $60

October 21: Hands On & Dine: Quintessence Chicken Teriyaki
"Back by popular demand! Learn how to recreate this delicious meal in your own kitchen. Recipes include: chicken teriyaki, spinach fettuccine, Quintessential salad, and crepes." $60

Quintessence is, of course, the longtime favorite restaurant that once operated in an old diner building on Scotland Ave in Albany's Park South neighborhood. It's no longer there -- neither the restaurant, nor the building (which was demolished for the redev there). And the chicken teriyaki was its signature dish.

As the list notes, Market Bistro has offered the chicken teriyaki class before and it always sells out. In fact, it looks like it's already got a few people signed up for it. So if you're interested, don't wait to claim a spot.

Old Songs instrument classes fall 2017

You might recognize Old Songs as the organizer of the ongoing series of events that feature traditional music and dance. And the schedule for the fall season -- which is out now -- includes folk, blues, bluegrass, Celtic, Americana, and holiday music.

But Old Songs also organizes a series of classes for learning how to play the instruments involved in traditional music. Or, to put it another way, if you want to learn how to play the accordion or ukulele, Old Songs can probably help.

The slate of Old Songs classes for the fall is out -- here's a quick overview...

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Albany Can Code fall 2017 classes

Albany Can Code -- the local non-profit focused on helping people transition into careers in software development -- has opened applications for its fall courses, which start in October.

What is Albany Can Code? Blurbage:

We are a not-for-profit organization founded in June 2016, dedicated to the vision of a talent-fueled pipeline for our region's software sector. To build this pipeline, we work with employers, educators, and community organizations to identify, train, and advocate employment of people with the skills to work in software and IT jobs.

The goal is to remove the economic and cultural barriers to working in technology. We want our region to have an inclusive, vibrant, and expert pipeline of technologists. Part of that mission involves changing mindset in our region about who can be a technologist, and how to evaluate candidates for technology jobs.

The classes being offered this fall are front-end and back-end web development. That is, one class about the code displaying stuff online (HTML, CSS, Javascript, and so on) and one class about the virtual machines that turn out stuff online (servers, databases, and so on). The front-end development course is at the SCCC facility in downtown Albany, the back-end classes are at SCCC in Schenectady. The classes are in the evenings.

Tuition for the classes is $1,500. Help in getting financial assistance is available through SCCC.

Here's an FAQ for potential students.

photo via AlbanyCanCode Facebook

Canning and preserving classes

We're just about reaching the height of the summer growing season here, which means farmers' markets and backyard gardens will be overflowing with all sorts of produce. There will be tomatoes -- many, many tomatoes.

So, there are a few options:

1. Subsist on a diet made up totally of zucchini.

2. Can and preserve those tasty veggies.

Toward that second option, the local arms of the Cornell Cooperative Extension has a few upcoming classes...

(there's more)

Spring foraging class

This could be an interesting afternoon: The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia & Greene Counties has a spring foraging class this Saturday, May 13:

Come explore the grounds at the Extension Education Center and learn about the value of woodlands and fields in a new way. Presenters Tusha Yakovleva, Rob Handel, and Tracey Testo will be your guides to discovering wild edibles in your surroundings. Participants will learn what is available on a seasonal basis as well as how to collect food without disturbing or endangering a plant population. Recommendations will also be given on how to safely collect food with the help of local resources and experts. Following the walk, we will move inside for a cooking lesson with Chef Rob where you will learn how to incorporate these wild foods into a meal. Locally foraged goods will be made available for samples and snacking during a Q & A to wrap up this fabulous day.

Tusha Yakovleva is a writer/farmer who authors the blog for the Hudson Valley Seed Company. Rob Handel is the chef at Heather Ridge Farm. And Tracey Testo is a program coordinator with the cooperative extension.

The class is from 1-4 pm on Saturday. It's $25 per person. And you must register by the end of today (Wednesday), May 10. (If it we had noticed this earlier, we would have mentioned it earlier.)

The event is at the Extension Education Center in Columbia County, just east of Hudson (corrected).

Gardening classes that are popping up soon

It's spring! It's happening!

Now is a good time to get started on garden plans for the spring and summer -- whether it's just a few flowers, tomatoes in containers on the porch, or raised beds in the backyard. Toward that end there are a whole bunch of garden classes / info sessions / talks coming up around the area, on topics ranging from vegetable gardening to composting to garden planning to street trees.

Here's a quick scan of some upcoming classes...

(there's more)

Lifestyle Farming Conference at SUNY Cobleskill

This looks like some quality fuel for stoking those backyard gardening / DIY / I've-had-enough-I'm-moving-to-a-farm dreams.

SUNY Cobleskill is hosting its first Lifestyle Farming Conference Saturday, April 8. Blurbage:

In our classrooms and labs, SUNY Cobleskill faculty will teach organic gardening, home brewing, composting, mushroom growing, yogurt making, apiary management, and more. With three levels -- 1.5-hour Introductory Courses, 3-hour Skill Builders, and a 6-hour Intensive -- everyone from novice to experienced homesteaders will find a course to suit their interests and skill levels.

The conference will be accompanied by a specialized vendor fair featuring goods and supplies that complement the workshops, such as brewing equipment, apiary supplies, animal feed, and orchard necessities.

Among the workshop topics: square foot gardening for maximizing production in small spaces, home brewing, backyard poultry, family livestock herds, composting, making sausage, fruit and berry orcharding 101, wild edibles, homemade ice cream, and homemade yogurt.

Conference registration is $60 / $72 with lunch and available online. And the website notes that space is limited in each workshop.